As a first-class gourmet destination, the Laurentians also offers numerous fine regional products including locally made cheeses, ciders and wines, sausages, maple products, dairy products, honey, fruit and vegetables, as well as a wide range of derivative products. You can purchase fine regional products directly from producers, in specialty boutiques or perhaps in one of the attractive local markets found here and there in the region. Savouring fresh local produce deliciously presented is one of life’s special treats. Families can come and take part in the festivities at harvest time, lovers can come and take their time over a special dinner for two, groups of friends can enjoy a special outing to one of the region’s reputed tables champêtres (for high-quality country dining), and there is also a vineyard tour to be had, where visitors can taste some locally-produced wines. Bon appétit!
|  | Restaurants and Country-style Meals When the time comes to top up on energy with a good meal, there is no shortage of choice in the Laurentians. With over 1,370 restaurants, varying in style from gastronomic cuisine to home-cooking, with many tables offering fine regional products as well, and a good range of fast food outlets and more specialized restaurants offering international cuisine, there’s not much chance of going hungry! | |||||
 | Regional products The Laurentians has been developing a specialized market in fine regional products for many years now. Today, you can discover the taste of ostrich sausages, sample some delicious duck or goose, and of course try out some of our game animals such as the wapiti or caribou. All accompanied by a rich abundance of locally grown fruit and vegetables. A number of forest specialties are also on offer, such as cattail hearts, marinated milkweed pods, and jellies and stewed fruits made from produce picked in the wild. You can also find various beverages such as mead, cider, wine, and maple liqueurs all made locally for your pleasure. Accompanied by some of our fine locally made cheeses, they are a pure delight! | ||||||
 | Sugar Shak Upon arrival in America, the French were quickly initiated into the joys of the now legendary maple syrup by the Amerindians, who had known of its existence for a very long time. Tapped in a rudimentary fashion to begin with, then with an axe and later a specialized spout, the maple celebrates spring with its sweet sap, and reunites whole families and groups of friends each year in a joyous rite of spring. There are sleigh rides, dancing and music, and some sugar shacks even stay open all year round. The Laurentians has too many to count, but each one offers a joyful reminder of spring with feasting and celebrations that have come down to us over the long history of people’s love affair with the maple! | ||||||
Fine regional produce and innovation combines with the know-how of Laurentian chefs to bring out the very best in what the region has to offer to gourmets: a simply delightful experience by any standard. A spectacular cuisine, with special dishes concocted by prize-winning chefs using fresh local produce. Or simpler everyday cuisine, offering plain yet delicious meals: the multitude of Laurentian restaurants presents an inspiring range catering to every gourmet’s taste buds. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the experience of sugaring off time in the spring, when several dozen sugar shacks offer menus inspired by region’s world famous maple syrup. 
